GAIN, NCIC grant $16,000 to four innovators to boost nutritious foods

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC) have awarded $16,000 to four Nigerian innovators to boost the consumption of safe and nutritious foods in Nigeria.

In a statement on Sunday, Michael Ojo, country director at GAIN, said the project signifies the successful conclusion of the agribusiness innovation challenge and that the initiative aims to transform the country’s food systems, marking the successful conclusion of the challenge.

“The culmination of the Agribusiness Innovation Challenge was the highly anticipated Demo Day, where finalists vied for the prestigious title and a total prize of N12 million ($16,000),” he said.

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“The four winners, whose innovations demonstrated exceptional promise, will receive ongoing support from GAIN to replicate their solutions in Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, and Oyo states, further impacting local communities,” he added.

Ojo said the winners were Chukwudalu Ufondu of Kovworks, who introduced an automatic and mobile “Cassava Peeling and Washing Machine”, adding that the product represents a step towards more efficient and sustainable cassava processing.

This challenge, conducted under the Business Support workstream of the Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNIPS) project, was designed to enhance the production, commercialisation, and consumption of safe and nutritious foods in Nigeria, according to the statement.

The challenge was implemented under the Business Support workstream of the Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNIPS) project.

“To holistically address challenges across the supply chain for nutritious foods, and to ensure a healthier journey of these foods from farm to fork, GAIN sought innovative solutions through the challenge,” Ojo said.

“This effort paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient food system.”